Here comes a new year!

Along with noise makers and the countdown, New Year’s Eve comes with a desire to look back and give the memories of the past year another look. Every year I wonder how 365 days could go by so fast. At the same time, I naturally begin to make room for the new memories about to arrive. Even the lyrics of the traditional New Year’s Eve song, “Auld Lang Syne,” call for reflection: “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never be brought to mind…” I think old acquaintances contain treasures that are exclusive to long term relationships and provide confidence for the path into a new year.

Before 2010 draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to both old and new acquaintances who have supported my call to action through Be the Change. If you prayed, encouraged, trusted or believed in the vision, please know I am extremely grateful. Be the Change has made great strides because of this support. Many lives and relationships have been impacted by patient and family stories, including the one that inspires Be the Change. Our story started long ago with a divine purpose in Michael, the change maker and dream weaver.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” That’s what Michael did - he paved a path and left a trail. In 2011, Be the Change will continue to journey on that path, giving a voice to the patient and family perspective in health care. Be the Change will build upon the foundation of 2010 to establish new partnerships that nurture the human experience thereby improving the medical one.

Michael’s life, a model of courage and unlimited spirit, left a trail for each and every one of us. This new year, make a path, leave a trail and Be the Change.

“For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you'll buy your pint cup and surely I'll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”

Happy New Year 2011!